Application & Guide
Open Call – We accept applications on a rolling basis.
The ARVI artist residency program in 2027 provides a stimulating and flexible environment for artists to experiment, create new works, and extend their exhibition experience. ARVI is a place for artists to step out of their usual habitat, meet other international artists, and engage with and experience the village life in Vishovgrad and the culture and landscape of Veliko Turnovo. During the period at ARVI, artists can develop their work and follow up with their projects on their own terms. We encourage all accepted applicants to apply for external funding for the residency fee and other expenses, including solo exhibition expenses, accommodation, travel, and transport. ARVI will provide accepted applicants with a letter of agreement regarding the residency program and a letter of intent regarding the solo exhibition, including other documents to help the external funding process. We want to remind all applicants that the Artist Residency is in a rural village. It is essential to have an open mindset for different cultures and be an independent person who takes cognizance of living with others and can cope with the exploratory prospects of living a rustic village life.
Application
Availability in 2027:
- April: (alternative*)
- May: 1 Small Room / 2 Big Rooms
- June: 1 Small Room / 2 Big Rooms
- July: 1 Small Room / 2 Big Rooms
- August: 1 Small Room / 2 Big Rooms
- September: 1 Small Room / 2 Big Rooms
- October: 1 Small Room / 2 Big Rooms
- November (alternative*)
We have waiting lists. We encourage everyone to apply regardless of whether there are no available spots.
* This month is outside of the normal exhibition program and is dedicated to those who are searching for more solitude and a slightly colder month. Send an email to post@arv.international
1-month costs:
- Small room: 950 Euro
- Big room: 1100 Euro
ARV. I Offers
- 96m2 shared studio space.
- Private bedrooms with single beds, shared kitchen, bathroom, and garden.
- An exhibition under the curation of Gallery Heerz Tooya at the end of the residency period. Open for collaborative group exhibitions. To participate in an exhibition is not obligatory.
- Letter of agreement, tailored confirmations, and other documents for external funding.
ARV.I Conditions
- The program can accommodate a maximum of three residents at a time.
- Accepted applicants must deposit 50% of the Residency fee five months before arrival. If the application is canceled, the deposit will not be refunded. This condition is strictly due to respect for other applications and the planning of the exhibition program throughout the year 2027.
- ARVI does not cover travel and living costs.
- The spoken language is primarily English.
- ARVI does not cover production materials, insurance, or any transport of materials, artworks, or objects produced or collected during the residency period.
How to apply
Compose an email with the following information:
- Name:
- Date of birth:
- Current city of residence:
- Nationality:
- E-mail:
- Website / Instagram:
- I am applying for the month:
- Big room or Small room:
- How I found the ARV.I Open Call:
- My exhibition project will include (in short):
- Please add if you have any special needs, be it medical or otherwise:
In the Email, please attach one PDF document (max 10 MB), including your CV, artist statement, and photo documentation of your recent artworks and exhibitions.
Send the email to post@arv.international with the subject ARV.I 2027 Artist Residency / your name
Guide
General tips
- There are no ATMs in Vishovgrad. The nearest ones are in Byala Cherkva and Pavlikeni.
- The local shops in Vishovgrad sell all the basic necessities. They usually open at 08:00 in the morning and close at 23:00 in the evening.
BUSES and TRAINS
Veliko Turnovo - Sofia: Search for bus schedules on www.biomet.bg/en
Pavlikeni - Sofia: Search for train schedules on www.bdz.bg/en
RENT A CAR
Didi Autocomplex in Veliko Turnovo: www.travel-agent-bg.com/en/rent-a-car (+359) 8882 66 966 Tip: It is recommended to have a car, as there are limited buses in and out of the village.
VISHOVGRAD
- Cultural House in the village center.
- Vishovgrad waterfall and swimming spot
- Emen waterfall, canyon, and swimming spot
PAVLIKENI
- Small hardware store 1 / Small hardware store 2 / (Tip: There are many small hardware stores around)
- Metal shop
- Mediana Farma Pharmacy
- Historical Museum
- Unicredit Bulbank
- Farmers- and Flee Market (Every Tuesday morning)
VELIKO TURNOVO
- Print shops: Vex1 / Vali / G Art Custom / Gama art material shop / Sirius (Tip: the last one is for various simple prints).
- Large hardware stores: Praktiker / Praktis / Sharkov
- City State Museum (Tip: around the corner is a great bar, Gallery Bar)
- Samurai Cafe (Tips: next to it is the great night bar Tequila Bar)
- Rich Restaurant (Tips: average food, a great local spot with a great view)
- Tsarevets Fortress
- Malkia Inter (Hostel and restaurant - good food, local)
- Rafael Mihaylov Exhibition Halls
- Narrative Gallery
- TAM (great cultural event space)
- Hipster Bar
- Second hand 1 / Second hand 2 / Second hand 3
- Shtastliveca Restaurant (Well-known enterprise - good food and view / vegan + vegetarian)
There are plenty of other museums, galleries, bars, restaurants, and landmarks around the city.